Searching for something to read? Check out some of the new titles releasing the week of October 19 –25, 2025 with two debut series. I hope a few of these books take you on a reading adventure!

OCTOBER 20
Candy Canes and Crimes by Lisa Siefert (Cozy Mystery)
Ava Decker was looking forward to Clover Creek’s magical Christmas festival. But when she discovers beloved chocolate factory owner Vera Holloway floating face-down in a vat of chocolate, Ava realizes someone wanted to permanently cancel Christmas for her favorite chocolatier. Things go from bad to worse when Ava’s usual crime-solving techniques result in one of the suspects filing a restraining order against her. Format: Digital, Print

OCTOBER 21
Death at the Door by Olivia Blacke (Cozy Mystery)
Ruby Young is slowly adjusting to her new life in Boston. A big part of that is her unexpected roommate—the ghost of the woman who lived there before. For Cordelia Graves, she may no longer be breathing, but it’s still her apartment and Ruby is the somewhat unwanted houseguest. They’re both happy they’ve managed to become friends, which is a miracle considering they struggle to communicate with each other. Cordelia even set Ruby up with her old job. Format: Digital, Print, Audio

Death On Dickens Island by Allison Brook (Cozy Mystery) *first book in a new series*
Delia Dickens has come home to Dickens Island, a small island in the Long Island Sound, after a twelve-year stint in Manhattan. She’s looking forward to helping her father revitalize the general store that the family owns as well as curating a small book nook. Most importantly, she wants to reunite with her fifteen-year-old son. But Dickens Island isn’t the peaceful town Delia remembers–and she might be in more danger here than she ever was in the big city. Format: Digital, Print, Audio

The Deadly Book Club by Lyn Liao Butler (Domestic Thriller)
Five of the most prominent book influencers in the US make up an exclusive virtual book club that’s the envy of the online book world. Once a month, they get on a video call to sip cocktails, chat about social media campaigns and book events, and discuss their monthly book club pick. Format: Digital, Print, Audio

A Zappy Little Christmas by Paula Charles (Cozy Mystery)
Pine Bluff, Oregon resembles a perfect cozy Christmas card. Sparkling Christmas trees line snowy main street. Wreaths, red ribbons, and colored lights adorn every door. Hardware store owner Dawna Carpenter is in a festive mood. She invites her elderly neighbor, Smitty, to join her and daughter April on the Christmas Light Tour, a trolley that takes guests through all the best decorated neighborhoods while they enjoy steaming mugs of hot cocoa and scrumptious treats. Format: Digital, Print

The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly (Legal Thriller)
Following his “resurrection walk” and need for a new direction, Mickey Haller turns to public interest litigation, filing a civil lawsuit against an artificial intelligence company whose chatbot told a sixteen-year-old boy that it was okay for him to kill his ex-girlfriend for her disloyalty. Format: Digital, Print, Audio

A Wonderful Christmas Crime by Jacqueline Frost (Cozy Mystery)
As Christmas descends on Mistletoe, Maine, Holly White has an extra gift for the season: a new baby on the way. Her husband, Sheriff Evan Gray, has been worried about her elevated blood pressure, and Holly has agreed to take this year easy. Being idle has never been one of Holly’s gifts, so when Evan surprises her with tickets to the town-wide dinner, she and her many cravings thank him. But when a thief tries and fails to steal an antique ornament from the dinner’s holiday display, it’s clear that someone is on the naughty list. Format: Digital, Print, Audio

The Hawk is Dead by Peter James (Police Procedural)
Her Majesty, Queen Camilla, is aboard the Royal Train heading to a charity event in Sussex when disaster strikes – the train is derailed. A tragic accident or a planned attack? When, minutes later, a trusted aide is shot dead by a sniper, the police have their answer. Despite all the evidence, Roy Grace is not convinced The Queen was the intended target. But he finds himself alone in his suspicions. Format: Digital, Print, Audio

How to Talk to Your Dog About Murder by Emily Soderberg (Cozy Mystery)
Nikki Jackson-Ramanathan is struggling to get her pet behaviorist business off the ground, making ends meet as a dog walker while keeping her eyes peeled for greener pastures. An appointment in a rich suburb of Saint Louis seems to be her ticket to success. The wealthy Mrs. Van Meer wants Nikki to help the family’s old hound dog, who is grieving the loss of his owner. But then Mrs. Van Meer turns up dead. Format: Digital, Print

Tangled Webs by Beth Strauss (Thriller)
Scarred by years on the job and a string of bad personal choices, gritty detective Karen Cappelletti spends her days cleaning up other people’s messes in a small town just outside of Philadelphia. But the mess that’s heading her way is personal—and very complicated. Format: Print, Audio

A Christmas Witness by Charles Todd (Historical Mystery 1920s)
Being single and a new Chief, Inspector Rutledge of Scotland Yard gets the short straw at Christmastime and is called upon by Chief Superintendent Markum to go to the Kentish home of a lord recovering from an attempt on his life. In bed with a concussion, the man is convinced someone is trying to kill him after he claims he was struck by the hoof of a running horse whose rider never stopped to check on him. Format: Digital, Print, Audio

The Fire Diamond by CB Wilson (Traditional Mystery) *first book in a new series*
When Sunset Peak’s legendary Peak Diamond disappears during the town’s glittering centennial gala, Taylor Hunter knows one thing: this was no ordinary theft. As a renowned “Diamond Detective” and reluctant heir to a family legacy of jewel thieves, Taylor has solved high-profile cases around the globe—but this time, it’s personal. Format: Digital, Print

OCTOBER 22
Not Another Bloody Christmas by Jo Middleton (Cozy Mystery)
Anna’s taking the family away for Christmas. Unlike last year, there will be no risk of her burning the turkey, far less nagging from her mother-in-law and – crucially – a zero per cent chance of finding a dead body in her larder. Format: Digital, Print, Audio

Murder Most Quiet by Nellie H. Steele (Cozy Mystery)
When artist Emily Harper stumbles upon a long-lost locket buried beneath a crumbling Maine farmhouse, she never expects it to lead her straight into danger. But as she follows the trail of cryptic symbols and whispered legends, she finds herself drawn to an eerie cemetery—and a secret passage that should have remained sealed. Format: Digital, Print

OCTOBER 24
Murder on a Friday by Marcy Blesy  (Cozy Mystery)
It’s the end of summer, and the Northwoods Cherry Festival is in full swing—cherry pie-eating contests, cherry pit-spitting competitions, and a whole weekend of sweet, fruity fun. But the festivities take a sour turn when someone from April’s past shows up—someone the Monthly Murder Movie Club had all secretly hoped would stay far, far away. Format: Digital, Print

Bidding for Murder by E.C. Bateman (Cozy Mystery)
When an old school acquaintance calls on auctioneer Felicia Grant for help, she finds herself at a glittering Halloween bash at the exclusive yet mysterious Aquitaine club. Format: Digital, Print, Audio

Note: in some cases, print releases for digital titles will be forthcoming.